Hillary & Drew
Some of Our Favorite Things in Ireland
Russell's Bar at Fiddle + Bow
We'll be meeting at the bar here for the Welcome Drinks on Monday, but we also recommend stopping into Russell's for lunch or dinner. The Irish Times named Russell's one of the Best Restaurants in Ireland in 2021.With a menu that champions local, quality, and sustainable ingredients; Russells brings farm and fish to fork in a symphony of flavour We love their cocktails and fish & chips. To Book a Table: https://bit.ly/3kpnjTw Open Monday to Friday: Dinner: 5-9M; Saturday and Sunday: Lunch: 12.30-3PM; Dinner: 5-9PM Delicious food, great cocktails, friendly atmosphere and a cosy open fire. Head chef Viv Kelly sourceS local ingredients, championing amazing local suppliers to bring the wonderful flavours of Clare to your plate. They have over 50 Irish Whiskey brands and a carefully selected wine and cocktail menu and live music.
The Ivy Cottage
The Ivy Cottage in Doolin is an “old world” cottage converted into a restaurant that offers quality fresh fish of the day with chips sourced locally from neighbouring fishermen, burgers, pasta, baked goods, and more. If the sun is out, they have a cute little patio for you to enjoy your lunch. Pro Tip: Order the fish & chips
McDermott's Pub
McDermott's is a traditional Irish pub serving bar-food daily from 1- 9.30PM and with Irish Traditional Music nightly. This is typically where we all end up throughout the family reunions. Pro Tip: Order the Beef Stew and an Irish coffee although maybe not at the same time.
Gus O'Connor's Pub
Gus O’Connor’s Pub was first established in 1832 and was a tiny rural pub which could hold only 20 customers when Gus O’Connor took over the family business from his father John in 1956.
The Cheese Press
Speciality grocery, organic cafe with local gifts. Great for grabbing lunch for the Cliffs or cheese and snacks for a picnic. They also carry lots of local brands and goods...perfect place to pick up a few treats to bring home. In additional to their Doolin location, they also have an outpost in Ennistymon.
Stonewall Cafe
Located at Hotel Doolin. Once just a spot for a grab and go pastry, Stonewall Café has been transformed into and intimate Coffee House by morning and happening wine bar by afternoon. Serving wood-fired pizza, with quality ingredients this spot is great for all things pizza, pastry, beer, wine and cocktails. Open only on the weekends be sure to pop in Friday-Sunday 10am-11pm. (pizza available from 12:30pm-9:30pm)
Doolin Pitch and Putt
Doolin Pitch & Putt is an 18 hole links course just 5 mins walk from the village with spectacular views of The Cliffs of Moher and The Aran Islands. Open daily from 10AM until late info@doolinpitchandputt.com
Ollie's Tours
If you can't make the Cliffs Hike, you can book another day through Ollie. Or are interested in another type of tour, Ollie also offers a: - Cliffs Tour with Picnic - Doolin Food Tour - Aran Islands Day Trip Tour - Burren Hiking Tour
Cliffs of Moher
Need we say more! Unlike what we did the first time went to the Cliffs of Moher, we highly suggest you follow the signs and the proper path :) Doolin Cliff Walk: This spectacular coastal walking trail will take you from Doolin along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor experience. Its one of the best ways to experience the Cliffs. The trail is a 8km ( 2.5hr) hike. Once there you can explore the Visitor Centre and then either hike back or get a bus back to Doolin. UPDATE: We have made two private tour reservations with @OlliesTours. Check out the schedule page for details and the RSVP page to RSVP for a spot on a tour. For the not sure footed or those who would like a hike down only, Have a friend or loved one drop you at the entrance to the visitor center and walk the Cliffs back down to Doolin. This way you don't need to pay the parking fee and it's a bit easier hiking down instead of up the Cliffs.
Cliffs Cruise
The local ferry companies run hour long trips from Doolin to the bottom of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are home to one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in Ireland and this is a great way to see them. Trips normally run from 12:00hrs to 17:00hrs If you're interested in a Guided Walking Tour check out the Schedule page for the two tour options with Ollie Gleeson that we have arranged. BOOK your Cliff Cruise tickets at https://doolin2aranferries.com. Use the Prmo Code: SEAVIEWHOUSE to get a 10% discount.
Lahinch Golf Club
About a 30 minute drive from Doolin. Lahinch Golf Club has two courses, both available to guests. One is a real challenge and somewhat expensive, the other is more moderately priced and more enjoyable for higher handicappers. We suggest booking tee times well in advance via their website!
Lahinch Beach
Beautiful sandy beach just 20 minutes south of Doolin in the town of Lahinch. Multiple surf schools, shops and restaurants, could be a great option for a chill day.
The Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are located just off the coast Doolin and easily accessible via Doolin Ferry Co. The photo is from Inis Oírr, and yes, the water is that clear! Each of the Islands, Inis Oírr, Inis Meain and the largest Inis Mór has its own individual character. You’ll find ancient forts, churches and monuments on all 3 Islands. Use link to find out more about each island. We don't recommend spending too much time on any of the islands, but if it's a nice day with calm waters, you can't beat the view of the Cliffs from the Ferry. You can also just do a boat tour of the Cliffs. Things to Bring to the ferry: - The confirmation email on your mobile phone or a printout of your confirmation email - Change for Pay and Display Parking at Doolin pier: €1 for 2 hours; €5 for 2- 30 hours - Comfortable clothing and shoes - Raincoat (just in case!)
The Burren
A wildly diverse ecosystem awaits any visitor to this corner of County Clare - dedicated a Special Area of Conservation by the EU. Of Ireland’s 900 native plants species, the Burren is home to 70% – including the mountain avens, an Arctic-Alpine plant brought here by glaciers in the last Ice Age. Like a huge outdoor museum, there are over 80 tombs scattered across this sparse terrain, dating from the Mesolithic era right through the Iron Age. Once Christianity began to make its mark on Ireland, the Burren was no different; visit Corcomroe Abbey to see a particularly awe-inspiring example of a 13th-century Cistercian monastery. The Burren Centre will walk you through what’s probably the largest limestone pavement anywhere in the world.
The Burren Perfumery
The Burren Perfumery makes perfumes and cosmetics inspired by the landscape of the area. A perfect stop on your way back from The Burren! Disclaimer: The road to the perfumery is very tight. It is a two direction road but only wide enough for one vehicle. Be prepared to pull over and drive slow. The gardens are pretty and the tea room worth visiting. You can also check out their rose-covered Tea Rooms, which serve a selection of organic cakes, scones and pies. Homemade soups with freshly baked bread, selections of local cheeses and salads all made with organic vegetables.
Hazel Mountain Chocolate
Irish craft chocolate makers using simple sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. Ireland’s only bean to bar chocolate factory, based along the Wild Atlantic Way. While their flagship store and factory is in the Burren Mountains, for an urban experience visit their Galway store. On site, they are stocked with our full bean to bar chocolate range. Savour their barista crafted local and international coffees, signature hot chocolates, fika cakes and pastries. All available for takeaway. If you time it right, you can watch their on-site chocolatier making our truffles daily. You can also tour the factory.
Doolin Cave
Open daily from 10AM – 6PM (last tour 5pm) Tours depart on the hour, every hour, with the last tour departing 1 hour before closing time. Doolin Cave Tour Duration: 45 – 50 minutes Good to Know * There are 125 steps into and out of the cave, every ten steps there is a landing and a handrail all the way down. * Upon arrival please collect your tickets at Reception for your guided tour. * The temperature in the cave remains a constant 11°C (52°F) so it appears cool in summer and warm in the winter. A light jacket or warm sweater will keep you cosy for the tour. * All visitors must wear a hard hat, which will be supplied to you at the beginning of the tour, as the cave passage is low in places * A sturdy pair of walking boots or shoes are advisable. Open-toed footwear is not suitable for the cave tour as it is slightly muddy and uneven terrain underfoot.
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way, from Malin Head in the north to Mizenhead in the south, is an epic and beautiful drive along some of the most spectacular coastline in Europe. Make sure to check out the Giant's Causeway and The Dark Hedges in County Antrim, and pull over to eat at Wild Honey Inn in County Clare, and Ballynahinch Castle in Galway. There are some great beaches along the way, too, like Lough Swilly beach near Rathmullen House in Donegal, and Gurteen Beach in Connemara.
Ballyvaughan
Ballyvaghan is a small harbour village in County Clare, Ireland. It is located on the N67 road on the south shores of Galway Bay, in the northwest corner of The Burren. It's a short drive, about 25 mins., from Doolin. We reccomend stopping for lunch at Gregan's Castle Hotel or Monk's Ballyvaughn
Galway
About 90 minutes from Doolin. This would be the perfect spot to head to after the wedding. We recommend sitting down for lunch at: - Ard Bias at Nommos - Kai - Dela - The Dough Bros - Ean (Wine Bar in the evenings) Dinner: - Loam - Cava Bodega - Aniar - Kai - Ruibin Also, check out the most beautiful candle store, Cloon Keen on the High Street. Galway, a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast, sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s hub is 18th-century Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs that often offer live Irish folk music. Nearby, stone-clad cafes, boutiques and art galleries line the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter, which retains portions of the medieval city walls
Around County Clare
Although it’s best known for the Cliffs of Moher and the breath-taking Burren, there’s endless things to do in Clare, as you’ll discover.
Dublin
Some of our favorite spots/things to do include: - Tour of Pearse Lyons Distillery. Suggest the Cocktail Making Experience. Very worth the extra euros - Book of Kells at Trinity College. Dinner: - The Winding Stair - The Legal Eagle - Mr. Fox Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch: - Brother Hubbard - The White Moose Cafe - Gallagher’s Boxty House. If you love potatoes, this is for you. You can essentially have potatoes any and every way here. Other - Vice Coffee (at Wigwam). I think we had about 3 iced Irish coffees each here. Incredible. - Vintage Cocktail Club - Peruke & Periwig - Murphy's Ice Cream (locations in Dingle & Killarney too) Should you wish to do some self-guided tour you could visit the suburb areas of Dublin by the Dart (commuter train). Northbound Howth, Malahide, southbound Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey, Killiney, Bray.
Belfast
Some of the highlights of our trip to Belfast & Northern Ireland. Giants Causeway Tour Irish Tour Tickets, 10 Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7BA, UK https://irishtourtickets.com/tours/details/94480/giants-causeway-tour-from-belfast/ Titanic Belfast 1 Olympic Way, Queens Road Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9EP Black Cab Tour or Belfast Political Tour https://irishtourtickets.com/belfast-political-tour/ Hotel: AC Belfast Cocktails: Merchant Hotel
Powerscourt Estate
We loved our stay here! The spa was great and the grounds are beautiful. The hotel provides complimentary bikes for hotel guests to explore the estate, gardens distillery and more. There is also a beautiful golf course. Would recommend if you have been to Ireland before or are looking for a few relaxing days before retuning home. You can also visit the garden & estates and have tea at the hotel if you are not looking to stay overnight. It is a Marriott property and about 40 minutes from Dubllin Airport.
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